Skin Checks and Sun Safety: What Every Australian Should Know

The Three Main Types of Skin Cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous type. It starts in the pigment-producing cells of the skin and can spread to other organs if not caught early. It often looks like a mole that has changed, but can also appear as a new spot. It accounts for a relatively small proportion of skin cancers but the majority of skin cancer deaths.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type. It grows slowly and rarely spreads, but it can cause significant local damage if left untreated. It often appears as a pearly or waxy bump, a flat scar-like lesion, or a pink growth on areas that get a lot of sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common. It can spread if untreated, though this is uncommon when detected early. It often appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly surface.

Who Is at Higher Risk

Fair skin, light eyes, and red or blonde hair are associated with higher risk, as is a history of sunburn, particularly in childhood. People with many moles or atypical moles, a personal or family history of skin cancer, or those who have worked outdoors for many years are also at higher risk.

That said, skin cancer can occur in people with darker skin types too, and I'd encourage everyone living in Australia to take it seriously rather than assuming it's only a concern for fair-skinned people.

What to Look For

The ABCDE rule is a useful guide for assessing moles and spots:

Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.

Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.

Colour: The colour varies, with shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.

Diameter: Larger than 6mm, though melanomas can be smaller.

Evolution: Any spot that is changing in size, shape, colour, or is new and different from other spots warrants attention.

The "ugly duckling" sign is also worth knowing. Most moles on a person tend to look similar to each other. A spot that looks noticeably different from the others is worth having checked, even if it doesn't tick the ABCDE boxes.

How Often Should You Have a Skin Check

For most adults, an annual skin check with a GP is a reasonable starting point. If you have a history of skin cancer, many moles, or significant sun exposure over your lifetime, more frequent checks may be appropriate. Your doctor can advise on the right interval based on your individual risk.

A skin check involves examining your skin from head to toe, including areas you can't easily see yourself. I'll use a dermatoscope, a handheld device that magnifies the skin and allows closer examination of spots that look suspicious. Most of the time, a reassuring explanation is the outcome. When something warrants further investigation, a biopsy or referral can be arranged promptly.

Sun Protection: The Basics

Most skin cancer is caused by UV radiation from the sun. Sun protection is the single most effective way to reduce your risk, and it's never too late to start. The damage accumulates over a lifetime, but stopping further damage is always worthwhile.

Sunscreen SPF 50+ applied generously and reapplied every two hours provides good protection. Most people use far less than the recommended amount. Covering up with clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses reduces exposure significantly. Avoiding the sun during peak UV hours (roughly 10am to 3pm in summer) makes a practical difference, particularly for children.

Tanning is not a healthy outcome, even though it's been culturally normalised. A tan is the skin's response to UV damage. There is no such thing as a safe base tan.

Sunscreen and Vitamin D

A common concern is that sunscreen will cause vitamin D deficiency. In practice, most Australians get adequate incidental sun exposure even when using sunscreen regularly. Vitamin D deficiency is a genuine issue for some people, but it's managed with supplements if needed, not by skipping sun protection. These aren't competing priorities.

Don't Wait Until Something Looks Wrong

Skin checks are quick and straightforward. If you haven't had one recently, or you have a spot you've been meaning to get looked at, please come in. Early detection genuinely saves lives with skin cancer, and it's far easier to manage something caught early than something that's been left.